Leeza was born in Australia but moved to America when she was 2 where she was raised in Upstate New York. She got her start to theatre in elementary school on the stage but in middle school realized her passion was behind the scenes. Entering into high school she became a stage manager in training (SMIT) learning all the ins and outs of Stage Management realizing that was what she wanted to continue, later on getting the title of Production Stage Manager her Junior Year!
She is grateful to have had amazing experiences because of the D/T program at Purchase which enabled her to work on so many different productions. Below are some of her favorite moments from her educational and industry experiences.
If you are interested in learning more about Leeza, her contact information is listed below.
Selected Experience
Educational
Production
Role
Venue
Senior Showcase 2021
PSM
Filmed on various locations on campus
Performed in Durst Humanities Theatre
Fall Opera Scenes
PSM
Filmed in various locations
Senior Showcase 2020
SM
Jerry Orbach Theatre NYC
Gary Marshall Theatre LA
Dido and Aeneas
SM
Purchase Recital Hall, Purchase NY
Professional
Production
Role
Venue
NYE PBS Live Stream ’19-’20
PA
David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC
NWSoD Performance of the Nutcracker
PSM
Purchase Concert Hall, Purchase NY
92 Y Street Fest
PA
Lexington Avenue, from 79th-94th Streets, NYC
Dance Against Cancer
PA
Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, NY
Showcase 2021 - Filmed
Production Stage Manager
BTS Jesus Hoped the A Train Actors : Ta’Neesha Murphy and Ana Nicolle Chavez
Filming the Senior Showcase Scenes was something new we had to shift to due to Covid instead of our typical trips to NYC and LA where we have showcase performances in front of talent agents. Including the film department and a whole new group of people to include in scheduling and rehearsals was definitely a challenge! On top of keeping everyone safe during a pandemic and following protocols to keep everyone safe and Covid free!
Working with the film department filming, who we rarely collaborate with, on the Soundstage and multiple locations around campus.
Traveled with the student actors to Los Angeles and New York City
Worked as part of the stage management team in supporting the show during the pre-production, rehearsal, tech and run of show
Acted as the liaison between the costume shop, director and stage management team
Created all costume paperwork, fitting schedules and ran all costume meetings
Ran the deck
Traveling with the company to NYC and LA and performing in front of agents! Managing moving the props to these locations and in suitcases was definitely challenging! Had to make sure that we had enough consumables for all rehearsals and performances.
New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve: Celebrating Sondheim
Production Assistant
Worked as the Production Assistant at the Alice Tully Theatre in Lincoln Center for the performance of Celebrating Sondheim performed by the New York Philharmonic and performed live on CBS New Years Eve.
As one of the PA’s on the show for both days I was constantly going around putting up new printed schedules and timings that were constantly changing. This was both inside the dressing rooms, green room and back stage as well as outside in the film truck.
Dido and Aeneas
Stage Manager
Worked as part of the stage management team in supporting the show during the pre-production, rehearsal, tech and run of show
Worked as the primary Stage Manager the entire run until moving into tech when the PSM joined the team
Acted as the liaison between the prop shop, director and stage management team
Created all prop paperwork and ran all props meetings
Worked as part of the stage management team in supporting the show during the pre-production, rehearsal, tech and run of show
Acted as the liaison between the costume shop, director and stage management team
Created all costume paperwork, fitting schedules and ran all costume meetings
Ran the SL deck
This show was a three Act performance with each Act a completely deferent set. The first act the grandeur inside room of the home of a King and Queen, the next the outside of a convent with multiple columns and arches, and lastly the inside of a hoarders bedroom.
Worked as part of the stage management team in supporting the show during the pre-production, rehearsal, tech and run of show
Acted as the liaison between the costume shop, director and stage management team
Created all costume paperwork, fitting schedules and ran all costume meetings
Ran the SL deck
Kept track of line notes, script changes and the new pages distribution
Keeping the deck dry throughout the show!
This show featured a filtered and heated pool on stage.The designs called for a 16’x24’ pool with 10” of water used as the acting area. One of the biggest challenges was when the pool heater broke before a Saturday Evening right before a show leaving us with a 60° pool for two performances. We had to get all the heaters we could find into an off stage room to warm up actors in between scenes!
